If
you’re not comfortable with treating this disorder with drugs, there are other,
more natural options.

Medications May Cause Side Effects

ADHD
drugs can help improve symptoms by enhancing and balancing neurotransmitters.
Neurotransmitters are chemicals that carry signals between neurons in your
brain and body.

However,
they can also cause some serious potential side effects. Side effects include:

sleep problems

mood swings

loss of appetite

heart problems

suicidal thoughts or actions

Not
many studies have looked at the long-term effects of these medications. But some
research has been done, and it raises red flags. A study published in 2010 found no
significant improvement in behavior and attention problems in children who took
medications for their ADHD between the ages of 5 and 14. Their self-perception
and social functioning didn’t improve either.

Instead, the medicated group tended to have higher levels of diastolic
blood pressure. They also had slightly lower self-esteem than the non-medicated
group and performed below age level. The authors of the study emphasized that
the sample size and statistical differences were too small to draw causative
conclusions.

1. Forgo Food Colorings and Preservatives

Alternative
treatments may help manage some symptoms associated with ADHD, including:

difficulty paying attention

organizational problems

forgetfulness

frequently interrupting

The Mayo Clinic notes that certain food colorings
and preservatives may increase hyperactive behavior in some children. Avoid
foods with these colorings and preservatives:

sodium benzoate

FD&C Yellow No. 6 (sunset yellow)

D&C Yellow No. 10 (quinoline yellow)

FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine)

FD&C Red No. 40 (allura red)

2. Avoid Potential Allergens

Diets that restrict possible allergens may help improve behavior
in some children with ADHD.

It’s
best to check with an allergy doctor if you suspect your child has allergies.
But you can experiment by avoiding these foods:

3. Try EEG Biofeedback

Electroencephalographic
(EEG) biofeedback is a type of neurotherapy that measures brain waves. A 2011 study suggested that EEG training was
a promising treatment for ADHD.

A child may play a special video game during a typical session.
They’ll be given a task to concentrate on, such as “keep the plane flying.” The
plane will start to dive or the screen will go dark if they’re distracted. The
game teaches the child new focusing techniques over time. Eventually, the child
will begin to identify and correct their symptoms.

4. Get (or Give) a Massage

Massage
is relaxing. But it may be more than that for those with ADHD. A 2003 study
published in the journal Adolescenceexamined the effects of massage on
mood and behavior. Students with ADHD who received massage therapy for 20
minutes twice a week over the course of a month experienced improved mood in
the short term and improved classroom behavior in the longer term.

5. Consider a Yoga or Tai Chi Class

Some
small studies indicate that yoga may be helpful for people with ADHD. Research published in 2013 reported significant
improvements in hyperactivity, anxiety, and social problems in boys with ADHD
who practiced yoga regularly.

Some
early studies suggest that tai chi also may help improve ADHD symptoms. Researchers found
that teenagers with
ADHD who practiced tai chi weren’t as anxious or hyperactive. They also daydreamed
less and displayed fewer inappropriate emotions when they participated in tai
chi classes twice a week for five weeks.

What About Supplements?

Treatment
with supplements may help improve symptoms of ADHD. These supplements include:

zinc

L-carnitine

vitamin
B6

magnesium

However,
results have been mixed. Herbs like ginkgo, ginseng, and passionflower also may
help calm hyperactivity.

Supplementing without a doctor’s
oversight can be dangerous — particularly in children. Talk to your doctor if
you’re interested in trying these alternative therapies. They can order a blood
test to measure current levels of a nutrient in your body before you start
taking supplements.

We're sorry, an error occurred.

Thank you for your feedback. Your health and well being are important to us. We're sorry you couldn't find the information you were looking for this time, but your comments will help us identify gaps and improve our content.

Huxsashl, J.E. (2014,
October 10). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): What does the
research say about the relationship between food additives and ADHD? Retrieved
from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/adhd/AN01721

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